Why is the Arctic not a continent?

The Arctic is not considered a continent because it is a region that is not comprised of one specific land mass. Several countries belonging to separate continents reach into the Arctic region.

The Arctic is defined as the region spanning from 65 degrees north latitude from the equator to the North Pole. The majority of the region is covered by the Arctic Ocean, as well as large drifting ice masses. Canada, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States all have land that reaches into the region. Therefore, parts of North America, Europe and Asia fall within its boundaries.